Can lions hunt elephants and giraffes?

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A male lion — lion The distinguishing feature of a male lion (*Panthera leo*) is its mane, which makes the animal look larger and may serve to intimidate rivals or impress prospective mates.

Yes, lions are known to hunt elephants and giraffes, though they typically only target individuals that are young or especially sick.12

While lions are formidable predators that hunt a wide variety of animals—ranging from small rodents to large hippopotamuses—their primary diet consists of medium- to large-sized hoofed animals, such as zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes.12